Jar Of Lemons
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy
I’ve been making this easy Vegetarian Baked Ziti recipe for YEARS and my family still asks for it all of the time! It’s one of our favorites and is truly the best 30-minute healthy dinner idea. Made with mushrooms, zucchini, bell pepper, cottage cheese, and delicious ziti pasta, this healthy and comforting meal is full of nutrition and cheesy goodness. Every bite is SO good!
Easy, healthy pasta recipes are recently my new go-to for weeknight dinners (have you tried The BEST Easy Healthy Lasagna Recipe? SO GOOD). Not only can they typically be made in 30 minutes or less, but I love that I can refrigerate the leftovers and have them throughout the week! Especially with a 6 almost 7 month old baby in our lives now. There’s no time for complicated dinners, so I’m all about quick and easy dinners right now. This Easy Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe is a total lifesaver!
It’s so easy to make Vegetarian Baked Ziti! Here’s how to put it together:
Add Veggies:Â Try adding spinach, kale, or even some roasted butternut squash for a hearty twist. Just layer them in with the other vegetables before baking!
Cheese Swap:Â If you’re a fan of different cheeses, feel free to experiment! Ricotta can replace cottage cheese for a creamier texture, or try using a sharp cheddar or gouda for a bolder flavor.
Make It Spicy: If your family likes a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the pasta sauce or sprinkle them on top before baking. You can also mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Gluten-Free:Â For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the regular ziti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the recipe stays the same, and you’ll still get all that delicious baked goodness.
Protein Boost: If you’re looking to up the protein, feel free to add some cooked lentils or chickpeas into the mix. They blend in beautifully with the sauce and give the dish a bit more substance!
Serve baked ziti with these yummy sides for a delicious meal!
Place any leftovers in a large airtight container and let cool. Add the lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months!
To reheat, add about 1-2 teaspoons of broth or water and heat in the microwave or oven until evenly warm.
What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
Baked ziti is made by layering pasta, sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish, while lasagna uses wide, flat noodles and typically has more distinct layers, often including ricotta cheese.
Should baked ziti be covered when baking?
It’s best to bake ziti uncovered so the cheese on top can melt and turn golden brown. If you prefer a softer top, you can cover it with foil for the first half of the baking time.
Why is my baked ziti so watery?
Watery baked ziti can happen if there’s excess moisture from the sauce or vegetables. To prevent this, make sure to drain your pasta well and use a thicker sauce or pre-cook the vegetables to release some of their moisture.
Loving this Easy Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe? Then you’ll love these other healthy pasta recipes:
Brooke says:
Could you pre-make this ahead of time and then bake it on the day you eat it?
Christine McMichael replied:
Yes, absolutely! Although I wouldn’t make it more than 12 hours in advance, since the pasta may get too soggy. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Emmanuel says:
Hi, I was wondering is this a great meal coming home from working out. I’m working on my health so prepping is a big thing for me. I’ve been searching for health meals specifically for dinner. I wanna learn how to make my own regimen and not rely on fast food. I want to expand my horizon or eating healthy this looks delicious I’m going cook this one.
Jennifer Talley says:
It was a great weekday meal! Thanks!
Amy says:
Awesome recipe! I reckon I’d prefer penne anyway so this worked out well. And love that you used cottage cheese instead of ricotta. I’m always on the lookout for new midweek recipes to try and mix it up a bit. This would be perfect!
Marina says:
Great vegetarian pasta bake recipe, will definitely try it out. Thanks for sharing
Debra says:
Perfect. Easy. Healthy. Tasty. I’m in!
JoAnne Kim says:
So tasty! And light! We loved this! This is a keeper!
Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com says:
This recipe looks so delicious! I bet that my kids would love t try this!
Deborah Brooks says:
i am a huge baked ziti fan myself! Have not tried it w cottage cheese before-interesting
Amanda Kerr says:
I honestly love having meat in all my dishes for fitness goals, however this dish looks beyond amazing! The pictures are also very gorgeous!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says:
This is my kind of recipe! I’m all about easy, healthy pasta dishes too and this one has my name on it. Can’t wait to try.
Christine McMichael replied:
Yes!! Same here. Hope you enjoy the recipe, Julie!
Abbey Sharp says:
Love baked ziti! I’ll have to try this recipe!
Christine McMichael replied:
Enjoy, Abbey!
Deborah Brooks says:
Huge fan of baked ziti! I have not tried it with cottage cheese though will have to check that out. Would love to have you join our meatless Monday linkup
Christine McMichael replied:
Same here! I really love the cottage cheese in the recipe. It’s so good!
Emily @Sinful Nutrition says:
Oh boy does this look delish! Baked ziti is one of my favorites!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thank you! It was so good!
Gloria says:
Love easy, healthy dinner recipes like this baked ziti. And my family loved it, too! Soooo good.
Christine McMichael replied:
Yes, me too! Especially when they’re this easy to make!